MANCHESTER – Right now, the American Red Cross has an emergency shortage of convalescent plasma, a potentially lifesaving treatment for patients with COVID-19. The Red Cross has seen demand for convalescent plasma more than double over the last month as the number of coronavirus cases increases across the U.S. Convalescent plasma products are now being distributed faster than donations are coming in.

Individuals who have fully recovered and received a verified COVID-19 diagnosis are urged to sign up to give convalescent plasma now by completing the donor eligibility form at RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid.

Convalescent plasma is plasma that is collected from patients who have recovered from an infection and have antibodies that might help fight that infection – in this case, those who have fully recovered from COVID-19. With each donation, COVID-19 survivors have a unique ability to help up to three patients recover from the virus.

Blood donors needed to keep supply strong amid pandemic

Though this summer may feel different than summers past, one thing remains constant: The need for blood donations to help save lives. The Red Cross is urging healthy individuals to give blood to restock the shelves for patients battling disease and facing the unexpected.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the country have stepped up to help by giving blood or platelets with the Red Cross. Blood donations from healthy individuals are just as essential now to meet patient needs, and those who gave this spring may be eligible to help again.

Donation appointments can be made for the coming days and weeks by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

As a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply, those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma, including convalescent plasma, Aug. 1-Sept. 3 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon.* Plus, come to give by Aug. 31 and automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott’s Berry Farm, redeemable through the 2021 season!^ 

Blood donation safety precautions

To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.  

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Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 1-15:

Belknap

Laconia

8/14/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Leavitt Park House, 334 Elm St.

Meredith

8/12/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., St. Charles Borromeo, 300 NH Rt. 25, PO Box 237

Tilton

8/1/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tanger Outlet Center: Building 3, 120 Laconia Road

8/15/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tanger Outlet Center: Building 3, 120 Laconia Road

8/7/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Tanger Outlet Center: Building 3, 120 Laconia Road

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Carroll

Conway

8/11/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., American Legion Post #46, 47 Tasker Hill Road

Freedom

8/7/2020: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Danforth Bay Resort Freedom, 196 Shawtown Road

Moultonborough

8/14/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Moultonborough Lions Club, 139 Old Route 109A

North Conway

8/7/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., North Conway Community Center, 78 Norcross Circle

Union

8/15/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wakefield Resource Center, 254 Main St.

Wolfeboro

8/5/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 388 North Main St.

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Cheshire

Jaffrey

8/12/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., VFW Hall, 12 Hathorn Rd

Keene

8/11/2020: 2:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Best Western Plus Sovereign Hotel, 401 Winchester Street

8/3/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Monadnock Covenant Church, 90 Base Hill Road

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Grafton

Bristol

8/4/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Marian Center, 17 West Shore Rd.

Canaan

8/10/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Mary’s Church, 1157 Route 4

Lebanon

8/12/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, 10 Alice Peck Day Drive

Littleton

8/6/2020: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., St. Rose of Lima, 82 High St.

Plymouth

8/1/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 354 Fairgrounds Rd

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Hillsborough

Hollis

8/15/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Neil Stone’s Karate Academy, 22 Proctor Hill Road

Manchester

8/12/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Manchester Police Department, 405 Valley Street

8/12/2020: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Easterseals, 555 Auburn St

8/4/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Great North Aleworks, 1050 Holt Ave

Merrimack

8/13/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Movement Christian Church, 27 Depot Street

8/4/2020: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., St John Neumann Church, 708 Milford Road

Milford

8/6/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Milford NH Masonic Temple, Milford NH Masonic Temple, 30 MT Vernon St

Nashua

8/11/2020: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Dartmouth-Hitchcock, 2300 Southwood Drive

8/13/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nashua Community College Wellness Center, 505 Amherst Street

8/6/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Nashua Elks Lodge, 12 Murphy Drive, Unit B-1

8/8/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Immaculate Conception Gathering Hall, 216 East Dunstable Road

Pelham

8/6/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., St. Patrick’s Parish, 12 Main St.

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Concord

8/10/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Health Club of Concord, 10 Garvin Falls Road

8/14/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Concord Red Cross Office, 2 Maitland St.

8/3/2020: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Bektash Shriners, 189 Pembroke Road

8/4/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., NH Public Radio, 2 Pillsbury Street

New London

8/4/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Our Lady of Fatima Church, 724 Main Street

Newbury

8/15/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Friendship House, 162 Village Road

Pembroke

8/5/2020: 1:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Grace Capital Church, 542 Pembroke St.

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Rockingham

Chester

8/6/2020: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Fellowship Bible Church, 48 Rod Gun Club Rd

Derry

8/14/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, 26 Crystal Ave

Londonderry

8/11/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Londonderry Lions Hall, 256 Mammoth Road

Portsmouth

8/13/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Portsmouth Hospital, 333 Borthwick Ave.

8/13/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Best Western Plus Wynwood Hotel & Suites, 580 US Hwy 1 Bypass

8/14/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Andrew Jarvis Drive

8/15/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., YMCA of the Seacoast, 550 Peverly Hill Road

8/7/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Portsmouth Library, 175 Parrot Ave

Raymond

8/7/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Raymond Baptist Church, 145 Rte 27

Seabrook

8/10/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Trinity United Church Parish House, 29 Main Street

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Strafford

Dover

8/11/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Dover Moose Hall, 45 Chestnut Street

8/8/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., St. Mary Church, 25 Chestnut Street

Durham

8/8/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Community Church of Durham, 17 Main Street

Lee

8/14/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Lee Church Congregational, 17 Mast Road, Rt 155

New Durham

8/13/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., New Durham Fire Department, 6 Main Street

Rochester

8/1/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saint Mary Church, 71 Lowell Street

Somersworth

8/14/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., City Hall, One Government Way

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Sullivan

Claremont

8/4/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Common Man, 21 Water Street

Newport

8/7/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Sugar River Bank, 10 North Main St,

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About blood donation

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

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About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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